A Texas family is in mourning following the tragic death of their daughter, Courtney Hodge, who was involved in a two-vehicle collision on a Louisiana highway last week. The 19-year-old, who had just completed her first year at Louisiana State University, was returning home when the incident occurred.
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Courtney Hodge’s family described her as having a generous spirit and the kind of personality that made her friends with everyone she met. “Courtney had a really big heart, and she was the kind of person that was a friend to all,” her relatives shared in an interview with ABC affiliate WFAA. The accident took place on Louisiana Highway 190 near Jennings Road on the afternoon of Friday, May 22.
According to reports from the Louisiana State Police, the crash transpired shortly after 3 p.m. A preliminary investigation indicated that a 2005 Kenworth commercial vehicle was travelling westward on the highway when it began to slow down ahead of a crossover. Hodge, driving a 2025 Kia K4, was following the lorry but failed to decelerate, resulting in the rear-end collision. Regrettably, Hodge was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries, dying at the scene.
The Louisiana State Police have launched an investigation into the incident, collecting a toxicology sample from Hodge for further analysis. The family shared that Courtney had been looking forward to spending time at home after her academic year, with her mother, Sherqueena Jackson, recalling a recent text exchange. “Before I left work, I had texted her, ‘Refresh your Life360,’” Jackson mentioned. “She didn’t respond to that.”
Upon receiving notification about the crash, Jackson and her husband made the journey to Louisiana. “My husband drove us down to Louisiana so we could see her and let her know that I was here and that she didn’t have to be by herself and be afraid,” Jackson said, reflecting on the heartbreaking moment of seeing her daughter.
In addition to her parents, Hodge leaves behind her seven-year-old sister, Carter, who expressed her sorrow, stating, “She was my best friend.” Courtney’s family also remembered her fondly for her involvement in high school sports as a cheerleader and soccer player at Red Oak High School, from which she graduated in 2022.
The Texas community has been rocked by this tragedy, with friends and family in disbelief at the loss of such a vibrant young person. Hodge was known for her enthusiasm for life and her ability to connect with others.
In light of this incident, the Louisiana State Police issued a public safety reminder about the dangers of distracted and inattentive driving, emphasising that these factors often contribute to serious accidents. They noted, “While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease the chances of serious injury or death. Always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. Every trip. Every time.”
As the investigation continues, Courtney Hodge’s family seeks to remember her legacy while raising awareness about road safety. As they process their grief, they hope that others may learn from this tragedy to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.